Description: Slight, with metal-rimmed glasses and salt and pepper hair. Typically has a cup of coffee in one hand and an unfiltered cigarette in the other. Walks with small, quick steps; when nervous he sweats below his lower lip.

``Boomerism'': ``We'll put out a press release and BAM.'' Meant to denote instant and impressive reaction to political maneuver.

Favorite food: Red meat.

Hobbies: politics, reading periodicals, and more politics.

Claim to fame: As staffer for state House Republicans in early 1980s, urged lawmakers to launch impeachment proceedings against Hartford Probate Judge James H. Kinsella. Kinsella resigned in 1984 before the full House voted on his impeachment.

Rowland Calls I: After meeting Rowland in the state House, followed him to Washington in 1985 to work in his congressional office.

Rowland Calls II: From a room in a Waterbury hotel, worked on Rowland's unsuccessful 1990 gubernatorial campaign.

Intermission: Four years as a public affairs specialist for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Rowland Calls III: Returned to Connecticut in 1994 to help Rowland win governor's office.

Intermission: Various jobs lobbying, consulting or working for elected officials in Connecticut and Nebraska, including managing Nancy Johnson's successful 2002 re-election campaign.

Rowland Calls IV: Returned in 2003 to work as an $85,000-a-year ``special assistant'' as the governor battles state employee unions, a looming deficit and Democrat-led legislature, and an ongoing federal corruption investigation.

Last Call: After announcing Dec. 2 he would leave the governor's office to return to Nebraska, Boomer responded to Democratic attacks by saying he would stay and work as a consultant for the state GOP to help fight for Rowland. Resigned Jan. 20.